Heart-stopping video shows a heroic Oklahoma high school principal tackling a Columbine-obsessed ex-student moments after allegedly being shot.
Kirk Moore, 60, charged at 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins, who was armed with two loaded semi-automatic pistols, in the lobby of Pauls Valley High School last Tuesday afternoon, according to surveillance footage obtained by KOCO.
Moore, the only person injured as Hawkins opened fire inside the school, was hailed for his bravery and preventing a tragedy of a much larger scale.
Hawkins allegedly told investigators he “didn’t like Principal Moore” and “went to the school to kill” him. He ordered everyone to get onto the ground before trying to fire at one student in the lobby, court documents seen by KFOR revealed.
The crazed gunman’s weapon malfunctioned before he aimed his pistol at another student, who begged him not to open fire.
Moore, who has worked in the school district for more than 35 years, rushed to the school lobby to investigate the commotion.
Hawkins was seen pointing his weapon at the Moore’s head and firing a shot, which struck the educator’s right leg, before he was tackled.
The principal shoved the gunman toward a bench before getting on top of him, while the terrified student fled.
Moore pinned down Hawkins’ right hand, stopping him from firing his pistol before the weapon dropped onto the floor.
Another adult male, wearing a red shirt and beige pants, sprinted into shot before helping Moore and kicking the gun away.
Hunter McKee, of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, praised Moore and staffers for their quick-thinking response, saying, “The actions of the staff and the principal stepping in as soon as they saw a subject with a firearm saved lives today.”
Brett Knight, the Pauls Valley Superintendent, described Moore as a “hero,” the Oklahoman reported.
“He’s actually been a mentor to me,” he told 9News.
“He was kinda (the) one that kind of helped me when I was first hired.”
Councilman Kahn Nirschl said he was “so appreciative” of Moore’s intervention.
“He undoubtedly saved lives today through his actions,” he said.
Hawkins admitted to stealing the guns from his dad and told investigators he “wanted to conduct his own school shooting like the Columbine shooters did,” referring to the 1999 massacre that left 14 victims dead.
The latest victim, Anne Marie Hochhalter, who was left paralyzed after being shot, died in February last year.
Hawkins has been charged with shooting with intent to kill and other firearm-related charges, and will appear in court on May 8.
Meanwhile, Moore said he’s “healthy and recovering” after being hospitalized.
